LeeHealthPress Release

Lee Health Limits Visitation of Children

Flu incidence rising sharply

(Fort Myer, Fla. – Jan. 5, 2018) --- Lee Health has seen a sharp increase in flu cases—jumping from less than 200 cases during the week of Dec. 18 to more than 330 cases during the last week of December. Because of this significant increase, Lee Health is restricting children age 12 and younger from visiting patients in the intensive care units (ICUs), pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and hematology/oncology units. This applies to pediatric and adult units but does not include the Trauma ICU at Lee Memorial Hospital. Compassionate care allowances will be made when necessary. Visitors also may be asked to follow additional precautions in some pediatric ICU and oncology areas.

Lee Health also asks our community to:

Get the flu vaccine, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine (a secondary illness)

Practice good hand hygiene—wash hands often

Stay home when you are ill

Cover your cough and, if you use a tissue, dispose of it in a waste receptacle

If you experience signs and symptoms of flu, visit a Lee Health Convenient Care, walk-in or urgent care center. The signs and symptoms of flu include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue. Some may experience vomiting and diarrhea, though that is more common in children. It is important to note, too, that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

About Lee Health

Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org